The proposed ban aims to reduce the appeal of cigarettes and protect the environment. It also suggests prohibiting tobacco sales in grocery stores, kiosks, and gas stations. Will these measures effectively curb tobacco consumption?
The European Union is considering a ban on the sale of filtered cigarettes, a development reported by the German tabloid Bild. The prohibition aims to diminish the «taste and attractiveness of cigarettes» while also protecting the environment, including groundwater and soil. Additionally, there`s a proposal to forbid the sale of tobacco products in grocery stores, kiosks, and gas stations.
According to Bild, a draft resolution from the EU Council for the November World Health Organization meeting explicitly recommends «banning filters to reduce the taste and attractiveness of cigarettes.» The EU Council supports this recommendation, believing it will help curb tobacco consumption. A potential ban on electronic cigarettes is also being discussed as an «additional regulatory option.» Bild highlights that in Germany, 95% of cigarettes sold have filters, making such a ban virtually equivalent to a complete prohibition of cigarettes in the country. The effectiveness of these measures in reducing tobacco consumption remains a key question. Maxim Korolev, editor-in-chief of the industry news agency «Russian Tobacco,» offered his perspective:
Maxim Korolev, Editor-in-chief of «Russian Tobacco» news agency: «For Europeans, a cigarette primarily means a filtered cigarette. If a ban is implemented, consumers will seek various alternatives, including turning to illegal products or finding other ways to consume nicotine. This will certainly not lead to a reduction in smoking. Nicotine users primarily seek nicotine, regardless of whether it comes from a battery-powered device or natural materials. However, I believe a ban on vapes is even less likely than a filter ban, as there`s an active and aggressive discussion about taxing vapes. It seems more probable that this scenario will prevail: it`s better to collect revenue from vapers than to eliminate them from the market entirely.»
In an effort to reduce tobacco consumption, the EU also intends to prohibit cigarette sales in grocery stores, kiosks, and gas stations. These measures are designed to protect both human health and the environment, particularly groundwater and soil.
A significant amount of harmful substances accumulates in cigarette butts, and the filters themselves, composed of plastic fibers, take decades or even longer to decompose. This poses a threat to wildlife, as fish, birds, and other animals might ingest them. Anna Garkusha, an expert from the ecological movement «Separate Collection,» points out that everything that enters the environment inevitably returns to humans through the food chain.
Anna Garkusha, Expert, Ecological Movement «Separate Collection»: «Cigarette butts introduce microplastics into the environment, along with all the toxic substances trapped in the filters. Globally, about six trillion cigarettes are produced annually, and roughly two-thirds end up in the environment. This is a significant problem because butts are complex, small waste items that are difficult to collect, and there are very few technologies for their recycling. Everything that pollutes the environment ultimately returns to us through the food chain. While plastic, in principle, can be recycled and technologies exist, the cost is a major factor. Collecting such waste is extremely expensive; despite the development of robots and the placement of bins, people still handle this type of waste carelessly.»
According to Bild, the European Union`s common stance on these measures is still being coordinated. The World Health Organization`s meeting is scheduled for Geneva from November 17 to 22. Even if the ban on filtered cigarette sales comes into effect, there has been no mention of prohibiting the separate sale of filters. Therefore, as a last resort, Europeans could switch to rolling their own cigarettes if desired. The main point is to dispose of cigarette butts properly.
